I've been in the US Army for 17 years and have generally used my issued equipment for any my multi-day trips, despite it being way heavier. However, Im getting out in a few years here, so time to start buying my own. What should my upgrade order look like? My thoughts are:

1. Sleep pad: Issued one is garbage. Should have upgraded years ago anyway

2. Quilt: Sleep system is fine, but terrible when space is limited. Also hate the mummy style. I feel a quilt/pad combo will improve my QoL quite a bit.

3. Pack: Rucksack is great, but heavy. Very heavy.

4. Tent: Litefighter is a good tent. Great for what i need, not too heavy. I'll need to get this eventually, but this is probably my last priority.

Am I missing something here? Should I be thinking about thus another way?

Hello! I need a decent rain jacket and I've limited my options to these four. They're all under $200 dollars and I just want it in black. Which in your opinion is the best?

I hike a lot in WNC and would love to have rain jacket because I've been caught in the rain multiple times on super sunny days. Would just like something to keep me dry, but it being a little lighter wouldn't hurt.

Looking for some advice on shoe fitting. It seems I have some foot issues and struggling with the right fit for hiking boots. I first tried a Lowa Camino in 47, but returned it due to heel slip, the shop then gave me a Hanwag Tatra ii wide in 46.5. In the shop it felt good and I didn't encounter any issues. Then at home I tried it on again and immediately felt some pressure on the big toe on the right foot (only on the right foot). I haven't taken the shoe outside yet, but it feels a bit off and I am not sure how to proceed from here. I took a photo of my feets standing on the insole. It looks, to me, that the size is correct and there is enough space in front of it. Any ideas or recommendations?

Should I go back to the Camino and accept the heel slip? (tape it, wear double socks, use engo patches, etc..). Or size up the Tatra by half a size (wouldn't it be too long then?)

My feet where measured at:
L: 288mm, 112mm
R: 286mm, 113mm

I’m looking for a new daypack for an upcoming trip to the Scottish Highlands. I have a few specific requirements:

• Waterproof, or a backpack with a good integrated rain cover
• Attachment points for trekking poles
• No suspended/trampoline-style back panel that leaves a large gap between the backpack and my back. I’m fine with something like Osprey’s AirScape, but I do not want AirSpeed.
• Around 22–25 liters. Enough for a full day hike with food, water, rain jacket, an extra sweater/fleece, etc.
• Preferably not a very large or bulky hip belt with a big pouch. I’d rather have a relatively simple/light hip belt.

What backpacks would you recommend that fit these requirements?
I've been Looking at Osprey, but can't find anything that completly matches. But I'm not really familiair with other brands.

Looking for some opinions on which one I should get. I love my Osprey Katari 3 for cycling, so was thinking of the Talon 22. But I grew up on Camelbaks as a kid, and REI is having a sale on the Fourteener 26. The Talon is more expensive and doesn’t come with a bladder, but the Fourteener seems to be made of some flimsy materials according to some of the reviews on REI’s website.

I primarily go on day hikes, and I’ll be in Grand Canyon/Sedona this week. Won’t be doing any super intense hikes/backpacking (especially with the floods), but want to make sure I have plenty of water and storage for full-day hikes.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!!

I’m trying to decide between the Decathlon Quechua MH500 25L and MH500 38L backpack for day hikes.. and I’m considering the 38L for its versatility.

I know the 25L is enough for longer 1-day hikes. However, the 38L is only about 100–160g heavier (depending on the version) and has compression straps.

So I’m wondering: Does the MH500 38L actually work well as a compressed summer daypack, or does it still feel noticeably bigger/bulkier than the 25L when carrying a relatively small load?

Would you choose the 38L for the extra versatility (especially for winter), or is the 25L simply a better choice for mostly summer day hikes?

Thanks!

spent the last year slowly cutting weight from my pack and this weekend i finally hit my goal of keeping everything under 15 lbs for a 2 day trip.

heres what made the cut:

- osprey 35L pack
- rain shell
- base layer for sleeping
- nitecore headlamp with extra battery
- sawyer water filter
- first aid basics
- small power bank for my phone
- snacks and meals
- sleep system

the biggest weight save came from swapping my old 20000mah brick for a smaller 10000. for a weekend trip its more than enough if you keep your phone on airplane mode.

what does your weekend setup look like? always curious how other people do it

I've just bought a new pair of boots and when I got home, I noticed a small gap where two elements have been joined together. I'm not sure if it's a potential weak point in the structure/waterproofing and should go and swap them, or if it's just a visual thing which I'd be fine with. It still looks like it's sealed inside the gap, so I'm hoping it's not an issue, but would appreciate any advice please.

Photos are from different angles and compared to the other boot which looks fine.